The United States will implement a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions starting Sunday, a move announced by the Trump administration that has drawn sharp criticism from global tech firms and governments. The one-time fee applies per petition and excludes current visa holders re-entering the U.S., but its abrupt rollout has sparked concerns over workforce stability and international relations.
Major tech companies, including Microsoft, JPMorgan, and Amazon, advised employees on H-1B visas to remain stateside to avoid complications, according to internal emails reviewed by Reuters. Immigration lawyers and firms reportedly urged travelers to return before the policy takes effect.
India Raises Humanitarian Concerns
India, which received 71% of U.S. H-1B approvals in 2024, warned of family disruptions and operational challenges for its $283 billion IT sector. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Foreign Ministry, urged U.S. authorities to address the policy's humanitarian impacts. Nasscom, India's IT industry body, cautioned that the fee could disrupt global operations for firms deploying professionals to the U.S.
Regional Ripples
South Korea's foreign ministry announced plans to assess the policy's impact on its companies and workers. The move follows recent U.S.-India trade tensions after President Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% last month.
Tech Backlash and Immigration Shifts
The policy marks the Trump administration's latest effort to tighten immigration, prioritizing U.S. graduates for skilled roles. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized training domestic talent, stating, "If you're going to train somebody, train one of our great university graduates." Critics argue the fee could strain a tech sector reliant on global talent, particularly from India and the Chinese mainland.
